Writing a persuasive essay for any of the social sciences or history can be a challenge. I have used the work of a teacher from Alberta to help me in this task. Keep in mind that I will be using the rubric to mark all essays done in this class. The subsequent links to the rubric are meant as guides - and very good guides - to help you along with the preparation for your essay. Sometimes essays will have to be uploaded to www.turnitin.com . Depending on the essay this will be done on the day of the exam, or when the essay is due (as in the case of a research paper).
Sometimes when I grade a paper that is handwritten or typed I will use these marks Mariam Webster Proofreader's Marks. These should be used when peer-editing.
The grading rubric I use for in-class essays
Suggestions for Completing an Essay Question
Use your time wisely
Budget your time so that you are able to complete everything required. Be sure to:
• read the material thoroughly
• think about what is asked of you before you respond
• plan your essay
• proof-read and edit your finished writing
Read the essay topics carefully
Before you begin , take time to read all of the instructions and information
provided. Read the preamble and issue statement for each essay topic. When you are clear on what each
topic asks, select the topic about which you are most knowledgeable, not the one that you think is the
easiest or hardest to complete.
Plan your writing
Planning is important in creating a well-written essay. Find out which planning method works best for
you. Consider the following planning options:
• a complex point-form outline
• comparison charts/concept webs
• lists of examples/evidence
When you plan, ask yourself:
• Why is this issue important?
• Why is this issue complex?
• What is my position on this issue?
• What are some important arguments I can use to support my position?
• What examples can I use to strengthen my argumentation?
Remember that even though planning is important, you need to allow enough time for the actual writing of
your essay.
Organize and develop your writing
In your writing, present evidence of careful thinking. Do not just retell the story of a historical event or
outline the philosophies of a historical figure—instead, write with a purpose. Your essay should:
• have a clear thesis statement on the issue
• show that you understand the issue and its significance
• argue your position in an orderly and logical fashion, using supporting evidence
• use appropriate historical or current evidence and examples to develop and support your position
Proofread your work
Your writing will be marked for what you say as well as how clearly and correctly you say it. Ask
yourself these questions as you proofread your work:
• Are my arguments consistent, or do they contradict one another?
• Did I support my arguments with thorough explanations and examples?
• Did I use historically correct examples that are relevant to my position?
• Is my writing organized and easy to understand?
• Did I use correct spelling, punctuation, and grammar?
• Did I use vocabulary correctly and accurately?
• Have I used specific information, words, and examples?
• Will my essay convince the reader that my position is valid?
Sometimes when I grade a paper that is handwritten or typed I will use these marks Mariam Webster Proofreader's Marks. These should be used when peer-editing.
The grading rubric I use for in-class essays
For many examples of essays, their grades and their explanations:
Suggestions for Completing an Essay Question
Use your time wisely
Budget your time so that you are able to complete everything required. Be sure to:
• read the material thoroughly
• think about what is asked of you before you respond
• plan your essay
• proof-read and edit your finished writing
Read the essay topics carefully
Before you begin , take time to read all of the instructions and information
provided. Read the preamble and issue statement for each essay topic. When you are clear on what each
topic asks, select the topic about which you are most knowledgeable, not the one that you think is the
easiest or hardest to complete.
Plan your writing
Planning is important in creating a well-written essay. Find out which planning method works best for
you. Consider the following planning options:
• a complex point-form outline
• comparison charts/concept webs
• lists of examples/evidence
When you plan, ask yourself:
• Why is this issue important?
• Why is this issue complex?
• What is my position on this issue?
• What are some important arguments I can use to support my position?
• What examples can I use to strengthen my argumentation?
Remember that even though planning is important, you need to allow enough time for the actual writing of
your essay.
Organize and develop your writing
In your writing, present evidence of careful thinking. Do not just retell the story of a historical event or
outline the philosophies of a historical figure—instead, write with a purpose. Your essay should:
• have a clear thesis statement on the issue
• show that you understand the issue and its significance
• argue your position in an orderly and logical fashion, using supporting evidence
• use appropriate historical or current evidence and examples to develop and support your position
Proofread your work
Your writing will be marked for what you say as well as how clearly and correctly you say it. Ask
yourself these questions as you proofread your work:
• Are my arguments consistent, or do they contradict one another?
• Did I support my arguments with thorough explanations and examples?
• Did I use historically correct examples that are relevant to my position?
• Is my writing organized and easy to understand?
• Did I use correct spelling, punctuation, and grammar?
• Did I use vocabulary correctly and accurately?
• Have I used specific information, words, and examples?
• Will my essay convince the reader that my position is valid?